This Tag came from Lindsey--Andrew & Adam's mom. . .

(I stole this picture from Lindsey's blog. :) I hope that's ok.)


Finish the Statements. . .

Maybe I should be working out.

I love the smell of steaks and chicken on the grill.

People would say that I love babies.

I don’t understand why .

When I wake up in the morning I want to go back to sleep.

I lost my willpower to exercise.

If there's a dessert in the room I'm ignoring it (at least for the moment).

Life is a precious gift.

My past made me want to guard my children's hearts.

I get annoyed when Victoria's Secret commercials show up in the middle of my children's television programs/movies.

Parties are not a good time to have a meltdown.

Dogs are tollerable.

Cats are not, seeing as Austin is allergic.

Tomorrow is only a day away.

I have low tolerance for my children when they argue.

I’m totally terrified of being morbidly obese.

I always knew I would . . .I don't know if I've ever always known anything.

Never in my life have I bungy jumped.

High school was awkward and not knowing who I was.

When I’m nervous I pray and bite my fingernails.

Take my advice When it comes to parenting your children, it's ok to pick & choose your battles, just remember to let other people do the same.

Making my bed rarely happens--Sorry mom!

I'm almost always trying to figure out what we're having for dinner.

I’m addicted to sugar.

I want someone to fix my facebook account.

I tag: anyone that's reading this and wants to give it a try!

Three down, two to go. . .

Addison & Anna-Kate celebrated their birthdays this past weekend. Anna-Kate turned 8 on Saturday and Addison turned 10 on Sunday. We decided, in our true fashion, at the last minute, to have a pool party. We decided at 1:00 on Saturday afternoon to have it at 5:00 that evening. I had been thinking of putting it off for a week, but then realized that we already have plans next weekend, so we made a few phone calls, gathered up as many of our friends who could be as spontaneous as we are, and we met together to celebrate two beautiful children.

I love you Addison. I cannot believe you are 10! You are a delightful son and it is a joy being your mother. You are intelligent, creative, obedient, hard-working and a wonderful addition to our family. I'm so glad God blessed us with your presence. Happy birthday son.

I love you too Anna-Kate. How did you get to be 8 so quickly? I love your sweet laughter and tender heart. You are smart, beautiful (on the inside & out), artistic, genuine, and eager to please. Our home is more well-rounded with you in it. You are a blessing and I'm glad to be your mom. Happy birthday beautiful.

Here are a few more shots from our evening at the pool. . .


Anna-Kate & Lizzie

Christopher, Kenneth & Addison

A self-portrait of Ayden & me

Anne Michal

And my very favorite from the day. . .


I posted the rest on my facebook page. It's much easier to post them there than it is here. So if you feel a need to see the rest, you can check them out there.

Just finished reading. . .


Holding Onto Hope by Nancy Guthrie. I cried buckets. It was good because I needed to cry.

I also read that link on Rachel's blog--cried some more.

It's so strange. Sometimes when I feel like I should be crying or that I'm "expected" to cry, I can't find a tear. But then, outta nowhere they come (the tears, that is). I've probably said that before. Anyway, sometimes it's in the grocery store, which I really despise, and sometimes in the privacy of my own bedroom, which I greatly appreciate. Sometimes I get to share them with my husband, my mom, a sister, or a friend and then sometimes it's just me and Jesus.

This grieving is a journey. It's a journey I expect to be on the rest of my life. I don't say that to depress anyone. I am just trying to get a handle on what is now my life, my family's life. My marriage is affected. My kids are affected. Their friends are affected. Oh, how I love my children's friends!

Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. I've sung these words many, many times before, but they ring differently now. Knox's death is a tie that binds my heart to his family's heart, my sister's heart, and your heart in Christian love. It is difficult for me to call it a blessing at this stage, but I know God has a purpose in it. His name is glorified. I become less and He becomes more. I trust in His word and I know His ways are higher than mine. I'm learning what it means to walk by faith, and not by sight. I've been blind-sided and my sight is gone. The things I so willingly accepted as a child, I don't "see" anymore. But I trust in God and in His word. I cling to Him now and I know He clings to me, but the beauty lies within His grip and not within mine. I'm not strong enough to hold onto Him in these dark shadows. I'm in and out, feeble and weak, tired and oh, so sad. I'm thankful He doesn't leave it up to me. He walks this road with me. He leads me. He is an ever-present help in my struggle. And for that, I love Him more.